January 8th - Reflection

Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 (NRSV)
Gifts according to Christ

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. ...

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.

Reflection
Each of us was given grace. One grace that results in many gifts. We have each been given Jesus individually. The Church has been given Jesus too. Jesus IS the church. Through Jesus the Church is made up of many. Our focus is always the same. We are united in our faith and knowledge of Jesus.

In our unification we maintain Jesus as our head. We must be joined to Jesus. Then when our childish nature, attempts to lead us astray, cause us to pick and fight, bring about hurtful competition and argument, and deceitful scheming; we must return to Jesus. Listen to Jesus' truth and love and grow into him who is the head of the Church.

We listen and begin again to speak of the truth and love of Jesus. We redirect our actions away from one another in childish acts and back toward one another in the love of Christ that ties us all back together in the Body to grow up while building love for Christ and one another.

Each of us was give grace through Jesus. Each of us was given a gift through the Spirit. We are called to come together in Christ. Disciples of Christ together in love and action. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, lead your Church. As we foolish children act in our foolish ways, forgive us and show us the direction we are to take in love and truth to glorify you alone and to make your Church what you would have it be...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen